Rams Free Agency Update: Cap Space, Best Targets, Re-Sign Candidates

Where do the Los Angeles Rams stack up financially after the first day of NFL free agency?

After a quiet first day of the NFL's legal tampering period ahead of the start of free agency, the Los Angeles Rams are left looking for upgrades in the remaining pool of players.

But ... who's left and do the Rams have the money to get them?

As things stand, Los Angeles has $2.7 million, per OverTheCap - and will have to keep shedding salaries to be able to sign a draft class come late April, let alone add free agents.

The Rams' activity on Day 1 included tendering defensive end Michael Hoecht and watching as kicker Matt Gay signed a record-breaking contract with the Indianapolis Colts.

Rams general manager Les Snead hinted at an inactive free agency period, noting the team will "hit the brakes" as it relates to roster construction.

This philosophy entails building more through the draft than free agency as Los Angeles trusts its core of veteran stars like defensive tackle Aaron Donald, receiver Cooper Kupp and quarterback Matthew Stafford.

But nonetheless, the Rams went 5-12 last year and are searching for upgrades - so who's left?

A lengthy list of intriguing names remains, including Atlanta Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary, Philadelphia Eagles right guard Isaac Seumalo and cornerback James Bradberry, Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz and Seattle Seahawks safety Ryan Neal, among others.

Most of these players will demand price tags higher than Los Angeles is capable of paying - but as teams keep signing players, other markets will dwindle and prices will go down, bringing the Rams into the picture.

As for re-signing candidates, safety Taylor Rapp has been a key contributor since being drafted in the second-round four years ago, logging at least 90 tackles in three seasons. He's drawn praise from coach Sean McVay in the past and would be nice to have back - but it's all dependent on price.

Elsewhere, versatile interior offensive lineman Coleman Shelton had a strong campaign, drawing 13 starts and proving to be a steadying presence up front. He's likely to be more within Los Angeles' pay grade than Rapp and some of the other names listed above.

As is the case for everyone else around the league, it's simply a waiting game to see which direction the Rams go - and while many impact players are available, the cap space just doesn't seem to be.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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